How to Become a Genius With the Computer

In today's world, personal computers are nearly as common as having the standards of home comfort such as stoves, beds and refrigerators. The phenomena has spread worldwide to all the developed countries. In the job market, being computer literate is no longer enough. To be competitive in the job market, developing an expertise in computers will set you above the other applicants.

How to Become a Genius With the Computer

Start with the basics. Introduce yourself again to the things about computers that you take for granted as common knowledge and use that as a foundation to build up. A unique learning technique I use is to approach a subject as if I were a child learning it for the first time. Go to the library and check out a few books on learning computers from the teen reading section. They are usually shorter books that only emphasize the fundamentals, but they are great triggers for helping you narrow down what really sparks your interest about computers. Jot a few notes on computer topics that you want to get more indepth knowledge about.

Read adult books on learning computers. Take the notes you've jotted down after skimming the teen's books and find adult reading level books on more specialized topics. Skim through them before you buy them or check them out to make sure that they are written in a way that won't completely confuse you. Often times, these books written by computer enthusiasts assume that the readers have a certain level of proficiency that could be far advanced to you.

Befriend a network of geeks. Search online for forums where computer geeks chat with one another. This clique can be a little snooty, but if you show that you are seriously interested in becoming a computer genius they will be great mentors. As you're reading and researching, use a notebook to write questions about topics you don't understand or that aren't covered in details in the books. Technology changes in the world of computers and technology that some of the info from the books you will read may be outdated. Use the geeks to stay current.

Set goals for what you want to accomplish. Every week or every month try to reach a new goal. Michael J. Gelb, innovative thinking consultant says, "It's one thing to dream big, but one must organize the dream into a process of manifestation." Whether you want to design websites, develop software or build a computer from the ground up, work in stages until you are proficient in every aspect of computer usage, programming and maintenance.

Take classes at the local college or hire a computer tutor. The classroom learning experience can tie in everything that you've read in books and attempted on your own in a way that melds all your learning together. Hiring a tutor is taking the classroom learning experience to a more intimate level. The tutor is able to explain in a way that you learn best versus a classroom teacher who is explaining concepts to 5, 10, or 30 people who all process information differently.

Practice what you've learned. Neurologist David J. Levitin says, "The emerging picture from such studies is that ten thousand hours of practice is required to achieve the level of mastery associated with being a world-class expert--in anything" Offer to do free computer maintenance projects for friends and family. Design software programs for local businesses. Continue to challenge yourself.

Get certified. In the job market, the more certifications you have in computer programming and operations, the more of an asset you could be to the company. Certifications, such as CompTIA A+, is an industry accepted way of showing that your expertise has been tested and proven in computer support. Certifications you pursue should be in line with your ultimate career goals.